Climate Change Research in Antarctica
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Antarctic Plants and Global Change

An Overview of my Antarctic Research Projects

Since plant growth in Antarctica is very slow, we use a range of molecular and physiological techniques to predict how terrestrial biodiversity in Antarctica will change as a result of climate change.

Our work is providing important insights into the biology of these plants that survive and grow in conditions equivalent to a freezer. Our research provides evidence that the Antarctic endemic moss Grimmia antarctici is likely to be more susceptible to climate change than two co-occurring cosmopolitan species Ceratodon purpureus and Bryum pseudotriquetrum (Robinson et al 2005 PDF 681k, Wasley et al 2006a, b).

My Group is Investigating:

The impact of the ozone hole and the resultant increase in UV-B radiation on these communities (sunscreen pigments, DNA damage and potential for genetic mutation in Antarctic plants). (Turnbull et al. 2009, Turnbull and Robinson 2009; Lovelock, C.E. and Robinson, S.A. (2002); Robinson et al. 2005). We are also looking at the ways in which the ozone hole has changed the climate of East Antarctica, making it windier and therefore drier (Clarke et al 2012).

The bioactive compounds responsible for the high UV, desiccation and cold tolerance of Antarctic mosses (Robinson & Waterman 2014).

We are using remote sensing to map Antarctic Ecosystems

Our research in Antarctica also involves collaboration with the Terraluma group at the University of Tasmania to assess the practicality of using near remote sensing from UAVs to map and monitor vegetation change in these sensitive communities. (Turner et al., 2014; Lucieer et al 2014) Lovelock, C.E. and Robinson, S.A. 2002)